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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Red flags? New man

192 replies

whoknew1 · 19/10/2020 18:48

OK, it will be a long one, so thanks for reading and responding.
After 5 years of being divorced and (mostly) single, I finally met a guy I like, who seemed normal, down to earth and I was thinking it might actually go somewhere. I was attracted to him, we did not rush things and only DTD on date 6/7.
But rather unsure about him and it all atm.
We’ve been dating for ca 2 months, met 7 times, mostly pubs, dinners, walks etc and eventually went for a weekend away. I generally I enjoyed being there, spending time together and chatting to him... but after nearly 2 days together I just couldn’t wait for him to go home.

I don't know what to do tbf because he seems really into me and is already planning to meet me/go away again but I think (fear) for me it's not gonna work. But I feel bad for saying anything and hurting him, as he is definitely not a bad type and seems rather soft. So here is why...

-He seems really preoccupied with his interests and not really into finding out a lot about me. So he would talk quite a lot about his various passions, but does not really ask me about mine. He did ask a bit about foods I like and some relationships views, and he does listen sorta carefully when I am talking about my stuff, but I had an impression he did it more out of politeness than genuine interest.

-Food. He eats a lot and talks about food a lot, too. Which I initially liked as I thought at least I can enjoy food around him but now I see why he is slightly overweight. It's all pubs or take aways or shop bought ready stuff what he eats, and it’s lots of food, like really lots… even for me, and I am chubby myself and can eat a lot! He admitted he started using food as a bit of a comfort for himself after spitting with an ex, but that was last year, he lost some weight since then. It is an issue for me as I struggle with weight myself and have been making bad food choices when around him, even though I planned to lose some weight by Christmas after losing over 3 stones in the last months.

On Sunday I haven't even recovered after eating full English brekkie and 2-3 hrs later he was talking about lunch already. We went on a walk in the country park in the meantime and he seemed more tired than me, he eventually went to the loo and confessed when he left that he had done no. 2 and feels so much lighter and better now. In my head I was like wtf. That is stuff for stable relationships, no?

  • Sex. A bit selfish. Sorry for tmi but I will just say it.
Lots of kissing from date 2 but then, when we had sex on this weekend away, it was a bit disappointing. He came 2x but I haven't come even once. In the morning when we had sex 2nd time, I suggested changing positions from missionary to doggy (which I like) but he didn't want it as it was 'too early' and I think he ‘didn't have enough energy’. No oral for me. I gave him 2 bjs as for me it's a natural part of sex. He didn't even attempt returning it. We didn't use condoms... I know. I asked him if he bought them and he said yes but then when I asked him to wear it, he said he doesn't need it 'yet'. But then he never put it on and later explained it sort of 'spoils the moment'. And he came in me once . I feel bad about it, I should have demanded it but I was a bit drunk and just got on with it. Almost no proper foreplay or kissing below my neck. Some stroking but he didn't kiss or touch my breasts, he didn't grab or squeeze my bum, just very very basic stuff seemed to be missing and it was just not enough for what I like. I need to add that I never had an issue with sex with anyone before, I was lucky to always enjoy it with previous partners and I don’t think I am hard to please in bed.
  • Money
He doesn't pay money for his daughter, he just gives her pocket money every week and gives his sister, who is the main carer, some money extra every now and then for extra clothing etc but not regular maintenance. He said sister gets child benefit and tax credits for her. His daughter’s mum is not involved in her bringing up so she lives with his sis, while he lives in London in houseshare. This is weird for me, that he does not pay money for her and is not a main carer either… but I appreciate that sometimes these things are complicated, so trying not to judge him on that, but it stll plays in my mind a bit. Money situation is weird in general. I earn half of what he does, I am a single parent myself. I am happy to pay for myself whenever we go out,, which I told him before but he seemed to pick it up willingly, so we basically either pay separately, go halves or take turns. So for example for this weekend, he came to mine and then we went away together in my car. We both spend about 80 each, which was the hotel, dinner, parking, lunches and breakfast. I paid for petrol as drive us 2hrs each way to the place we were visiting, and I also bought a bottle of wine, soft drinks and cake, for us to take, and gave him various snacks for his journey back home (1hr away). It all seems very even money wise and I don't mind that but I feel a bit weird he didn't ask about sharing petrol cost or came here empty handed. If I went somewhere with a new person/date/bf or visited them, I would always bring something - so I did buy wine and cake and he hasn't contributed in any way.

-He never commented that I look nice or has never said any hot words during sex or afterwards. He wants to kiss a lot and cuddle but that is it, it sort of bores me now and seems repetitive. He wanted to kiss in the morning without brushing his teeth and tbf I started getting irritated by his body smell later on. Which never happened to me before with any previous guy.
He seems to make less effort now than on initial dates, so crumpled shirts, jeans that you can tell were not washed. he didn’t wash his hair after a night in the hotel, He doesn’t smell or is dirty but just definitely cares less about it now.
I have a suspicion that he might not be fully attracted to me physically, he complemented my face many times but not my body, and while all the previous men couldn’t keep their hands off me, he does very little apart from kissing and this ‘basic’ sex.. He had said he does not like skinny women at all but he also talks quite a lot about himself not being slim and happy with how he looks, so a part of me thinks that in his head he is ‘settling’ for me, as he feel bad about himself and cannot currently count on a better looking woman.

I am not sure if I have valid points here or maybe expect too much? Like I said, this is my first potential ‘boyfriend’ to be after 5 years of having 3 ‘situationships’ that hadn’t worked out… and initially I felt better with this guy than the other men, but now I don’t. But I am not sure if I maybe expect god knows what or maybe I am secretly scared about commitment myself and self-sabotage, or I am somehow unable to assess it and him as a person well. I think he is a genuinely nice guy in many aspects, maybe just a bit too geeky and a bit like an old bachelor. He isn’t cocky or anything, but seems a bit of an odd ball the more I get to know him, and various little things he says or does just make me wonder about him and if there is a point to invest in it.

OP posts:
SoulofanAggron · 19/10/2020 22:53

@whoknew1 As to being kind. I sent a bloke a text saying 'I don't think we're compatible but you seem a really nice guy (he didn't realy so I shouldn't have said that lol) and I wish you all the best.' That's all you have to say, unless you want to give him more feedback as it might help the next woman he goes out with.

NW2SW · 19/10/2020 22:54

Struggling to understand how you're mad that he didn't offer to weed your garden beds but you seem nonplussed that he LIED to your face about wearing a condom.

ginghamstarfish · 19/10/2020 23:07

Can't believe you're even asking, just read your post and imagine it was written by someone else, what would your advice be?

Zaphodsotherhead · 19/10/2020 23:09

He is ALREADY treating you like a long term partner. No condom, boring chat with no interest in you, telling you all about his bodily functions (like you'd be interested) and taking no trouble over sex.

He thinks he's got you. His standards are so low that he thinks all he has to do is turn up on a few dates and that's it - that's how you get a girlfriend. You are now cast in the role of 'Girlfriend' and will be expected to play a supporting role in all his minor dramas.

He doesn't care who you are. He doesn't care what you want or what makes you happy. You exist purely to be His Girlfriend.

I could be dating Daniel Craig, but if he treated me like this, he'd be history. Honestly, a kind 'sorry, but this isn't working for me, good luck in the future' is far better than him entrenching you more and more into being His Girlfriend, only for you to finally explode and blow the whole illusion up in his face.

RobertaTheGreat · 19/10/2020 23:20

I cannot just block him or tell him to bugger off. I spent lots of time getting to know him and I just cannot 'dump' people like that, like they are disposable no you haven't spent lots of time getting to know him - you've known him for 2 months! Hardly any time at all. He may be a nice bloke but seriously you need to raise your bar; boring, poor hygiene, tight, lazy, vulgar and bad in bed. Do you honestly believe you don't deserve better?

whoknew1 · 19/10/2020 23:35

My self-esteem can be pretty low at times.
It has improved massively but I still struggle with it sometimes.
It stems from my failed marriage and later failed short relationship. Both ex husband and the next man treated me badly at the end yet they have long term partners and I haven't managed to have that throughout all these years.
I did stop dating for over 1 year two times, had therapy for 3 years. Lost weight, took hobbies, changed jobs, bought a house. Did all the 'happy single' stuff. I do want a relationship but not just a relationship, I want a right one. I used to be desperate for it but cooled off big time. Yet it is still not happening, I seem to be a giver and peoole pleaser who meets dickheads, lazies or commitment phobes.
It is a bit of a vicious cycle, what these realisations do to my self-esteem and dating habits.

OP posts:
Anordinarymum · 19/10/2020 23:38

Oh good grief. He is no good this one

Pantsomime · 19/10/2020 23:41

OP you have got to make yourself happy, accept yourself and be comfortable with you - no man will do that for you and some will sniff out your lack of self esteem and treat you badly and take advantage of your good nature. Bin this man, love yourself and Dcs instead. Then love will find you

0hforfoxsake · 19/10/2020 23:58

Dare I say, OP, from your last post you seem to be on a bit of ‘a journey’. Sounds as though you’ve made huge progress already in who you are, and your abilities. Maybe there’s still a bit of work to do on you though? All of those realisations you mention add up. Whether you take notice of them or not is another matter.

Post-divorce, getting older, being a single parent, it’s big stuff. Perhaps you are still building yourself up?
Have you had any counselling at all?

0hforfoxsake · 19/10/2020 23:58

The giver and people pleaser stuff - that’s where boundaries come in.

Aquamarine1029 · 20/10/2020 00:15

I cannot just block him or tell him to bugger off. I spent lots of time getting to know him and I just cannot 'dump' people like that, like they are disposable.

SoulofanAggron · 20/10/2020 00:16

I seem to be a giver and peoole pleaser who meets dickheads, lazies or commitment phobes. It is a bit of a vicious cycle, what these realisations do to my self-esteem and dating habits.

You can't necessarily help who you come across, but you can help how fast you bin ones that don't treat you well. Binning crap ones gives your self-esteem a tremendous boost, as you're asserting to yourself that you are worth treating decently.

As to not getting rid of him yet/openly- life is short, don't waste your time doing things you don't want to do, just for the sake of being 'nice.' You would kind of be wasting his time too, anyway.

Aquamarine1029 · 20/10/2020 00:18

Fuck, pressed post too soon...

I cannot just block him or tell him to bugger off. I spent lots of time getting to know him and I just cannot 'dump' people like that, like they are disposable.

FFS, op. You have been dating him for only 2 months. Telling him this isn't working for you and wishing him the best isn't cruel and it's not treating him like he's disposable. Your sense of boundaries and level of acceptable standards are seriously fucked up. Just end it and move on.

Lampan · 20/10/2020 00:22

Here’s another thing: it shouldn’t have to be necessary to keep making excuses for someone you are dating when they fall short of our expectations. I know it’s easy to do, I have done it myself in the past. So whether it’s explaining that someone is too busy to give you time, or bad at stuff cos he’s not used to having a woman around, or seems not to be too fussed about his kids (etc etc) - at the end of the day they are attempts to explain away unacceptable behaviour. It seems you have made a few excuses about him on here already, please try and see that’s all they are - excuses.
But I do agree with PP - phasing someone out is way more mean than an honest discussion. All you need to say is that you’re not compatible - which is true, difficult to deny and not unduly hurtful.

Graphista · 20/10/2020 00:40

We didn't use condoms... I know. I asked him if he bought them and he said yes but then when I asked him to wear it, he said he doesn't need it 'yet'. But then he never put it on and later explained it sort of 'spoils the moment'

Ffs never mind the rest this is almost at assault level red flag!

I have NEVER agreed to unsafe sex except when actively ttc total dealbreaker for me.

And now you're going to need to seriously consider sti testing too in fact I would say you SHOULD be tested as he clearly usually doesn't bother!

Dump!

Get tested, map if necessary block and move on

From the way you describe the sex I'm guessing he's heavily into porn - another deal breaker for me I'm afraid.

Doesn't pay child maintenance?! Another deal breaker for me! And NO he doesn't care about her, if he did he at the very least would pay maintenance and a decent amount too, but as her mother isn't in the picture (I'd be wondering why!) he should be raising her and I'd be concerned as to why he isn't to be honest. Is he not allowed? Does he have supervised contact only?

Miserly - another deal breaker!

Seriously what do you see in him?

The dillema is that he is not a bad guy

Actually he IS

You've got terrible boundaries. You should stay single and work on them.

I'd agree with this - was your last relationship and/or childhood abusive?

I cannot just block him or tell him to bugger off

You don't have to be rude but you can be clear and assertive!

"This relationship isn't working for me, I wish you well"

"I don't feel we are compatible good luck with the future"

DO NOT say sorry

cbt944 · 20/10/2020 01:06

Honestly, you've laid out an enormous manifesto of why he's not right for you, in your opening post, and yet the self-doubt seems to be setting in. Even though, 'after nearly 2 days together I just couldn’t wait for him to go home' and even though he's been slimey and disregarding of your health and your reasonable requests he wear a condom.

Aside from that, he's no prince! He's not right for you in bed. He's not as interested in you as he is in telling you about himself. He's a food-obsessed foodie, who has low personal hygiene. He doesn't pay child support, but is generous in other ways. He's this, he's that, he's giving you the ick, but on the other hand, 'maybe', and 'maybe I should talk about these issues with him', you say - as if he is an otherwise perfect guy you are deeply compatible with who has one annoying habit.

He's not the last man on earth! Find a kind enough way to say you are on different tracks. Spending your entire month's budget on his food-porn thing shows that. Wanting to get away from him is another big key! There must be a quick, kind enough way to say, sorry, I don't think I want to pursue this after all. And if it comes out rudely, then maybe that is doing him a kindness, in the end, anyway. It is not your job to fix him before you go.

CASCASCAS · 20/10/2020 04:19

I empathise with you a lot but I think you need to let him go. The other ladies are right.

BorderlineHappy · 20/10/2020 04:44

Don't look on it as failure.Look on it as you've a right to be happy with somebody.

It's just not this somebody.

You deserve better.

Don't settle, it'll be harder to tell him in a few months than it is now.

SeaRabbit · 20/10/2020 05:33

I am sorry about the various posts that aren't kind to you: you don't deserve that.

He is not the man for you in the many ways you listed. He obviously has no respect for you, nor, probably for any woman, given the fact all the previous women have dumped him.

Saying to him that you found the issue about the condom unacceptable should be enough to finish with him, actually. Simply telling him that you will not be with someone who does that to you could do wonders for your self esteem.

You genuinely want to be kind, but he is not kind to you at all. Frankly he doesn't deserve your kind heart. There are much better men around; there really are. Please don't settle for someone so third rate when you've been doing so well.

LambChopAndAsparagus · 20/10/2020 05:38

I cannot just block him or tell him to bugger off. I spent lots of time getting to know him and I just cannot 'dump' people like that, like they are disposable.

Telling someone after dating them for two months is neither treating them as disposable, nor spending a lot of time getting to know them.

You don't owe him a relationship or a girlfriend.

You are allowed to decide someone isnt meeting your relationship needs and end it on that basis. The idea being that it frees you both up to meet someone whose relationship needs are compatible with yours.

You've been on a few dates over a few weeks. It's absolutely fine to realise they are not the person for you and that it wouldn't make you happy long term.

Gohackyourself · 20/10/2020 05:39

Agree sea rabbit .
Op in your opening post you said you had been dating 2 months, you have seen each 7 times so far and then the 2 day jaunt.
It’s not a relationship yet, it’s dating.Dont settle , because he’s not for you from your opening post.
A nicely worded text or conversation on the phone will do it.
Be prepared for a few upset texts from him and move on.
Your not damaged, when you hit midlife dating it gets a lot harder , we have more boundaries etc especially if we have children.Dont go around thinking it’s your last chance.
In fact when I stoped actively looking for dating, I met my dp.
Good luck x

LambChopAndAsparagus · 20/10/2020 05:39
  • Telling someone it isn't working after dating them for two months...
Smileandtheworldsmileswithyou · 20/10/2020 05:45

Honestly just give him a call and say that you don't want a relationship. Life is too short to settle, he doesn't sound like he's for you at all. You deserve to be happy and fulfilled in a relationship that is exciting and loving and this doesn't sound like it's going to be either of those things.

Bluntness100 · 20/10/2020 05:55

You say you think he’s settling and isn’t fully attracted to you, and it’s likely due to low self esteem due to his body image. This likely impacts his behaviour and lack of effort towards you.

However you are also settling and aren’t fully attracted to him in terms of who he is.

It seems you’re both settling and you both know it and you both know that the other is. You’d rather settle than be alone. I think due to this you need to lower your expectations. Accept it for what it is.

Authenticcelestialmusic · 20/10/2020 06:06

Not paying maintenance tells you so much about someone. This combined with him leaving her with his sister, a stay at home mum, so presumably on a low income herself, possibly ruining her chances of a career and future income by taking on another child. He thinks tax credits and child benefit should support his child rather than him. Does he think kids are women’s issues.Then he conveniently brings up some rubbish about a mother figure. Well if his daughter lived with him 7 days a week and spent quality time with his sister she’d still have a female role model. She’d also have a parent who demonstrated he was 100% in her life.

If his daughter was with him he’d have to rent a full house/flat - costing him money, no cheapy house share. He’d have less free time. He’d have to clean, cook etc for her every day. Encroaching on his time and money. But no he leaves that to his sister.

His actions tell you a lot about him.

You owe him nothing.